The 2026-27 NBA Season Preview

By Disney+

The 2026-27 NBA Season - Teams & Players to Look Out For

Atlanta Hawks

After a fantastic season which ended with a Playoffs run, the Hawks - led by head coach Quin Snyder, will be looking to replicate their success from last season. Star player Jalen Johnson will also look to make his second All-Star Game, after being selected as an NBA All-Star for the first time last season. New additions Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins arrive from the Oklahoma City Thunder, hoping to bring the winning culture to Atlanta.

Boston Celtics

Trading away five-time NBA All-Star and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to their biggest rivals was definitely not on the bingo card of Celtics fans. Yet, that is exactly what GM Brad Stevens did, ending a Tatum-Brown era that had remarkably produced a winning record in every season they played together. In return, Boston welcomed Paul George, alongside two first-round and two second-round picks. Will Jayson Tatum be able to emulate Jaylen Brown's production from last season, which led them to a 56-26 record?

Brooklyn Nets

Despite the addition of Julius Randle, the Nets might have the most incentive to be in the 'relegation zone' this season. As the Houston Rockets own their 2027 first-round pick, Brooklyn would lower the odds of their own pick hitting the jackpot — simply by slipping into the bottom three. Furthermore, Randle and fellow Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. might be trade candidates for teams looking to compete, such as the Golden State Warriors. Watch this space, or don't.

Charlotte Hornets

After making the play-in Tournament last season, the Hornets decided to sell high on LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. In return, they managed to add to their inventory of future first and second-round picks, as well as acquiring veterans Naz Reid, Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. It's likely they won't be able to reach their 44–38 win record from last season, but the development of Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and their stash of future first-round picks brings a sense of hope for the future. Who knows? They might end up becoming a potential buyer in the trade market if the right opportunity presents itself.

Chicago Bulls

A sense of renewed optimism has arisen in Chicago after years of mediocrity in the post-Derrick-Rose era. New head coach Tiago Splitter joins after leading the Portland Trail Blazers to the playoffs last season. New additions Norman Powell and Nic Claxton add to the young core of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. The best addition however, is undoubtedly Caleb Wilson, who was drafted #4 in the 2026 NBA Draft. Fans in Chicago can only hope that the Front Office continues to make the right moves in search of winning basketball again.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs were in the LeBron James sweepstakes during the summer, hoping that King James would return home for a final championship run. However when that didn't come to fruition, they traded for Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets instead to fill the small forward void. The team will be hoping that Watson is the missing piece for their title run, after getting swept 4-0 by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. His switchability and ability to be the main point-of-attack defender should improve the team's defense.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks ownership group hired Masai Ujiri as the new President of Basketball Operations back in May, in hopes of drowning away the negative sentiments of the Nico Harrison era. Ujiri, who built the Toronto Raptors team that won the 2019 championship, moved quickly to install Dusty May as the new head coach to replace Jason Kidd. He has never been one to shy away from coaching changes, as he famously fired former Raptors head coach Dwane Casey in 2018 — who had won Coach of the Year. The Mavs will also welcome Kyrie Irving back from an ACL injury. Meanwhile, sophomore and franchise star Cooper Flagg will be hoping to build on his impressive 25-26 season in which he won Rookie of the Year. Will they be good enough to contend for a playoff spot in a weakened Western Conference?

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets will be hoping that the team stays injury-free this season, after Aaron Gordon missed 46 regular-season games last season. When healthy, they are arguably the favorites for the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. The addition of veteran DeMar DeRozan is a welcome sight, as they lost depth at small forward due to the departure of Peyton Watson. Alongside a rejuvenated Houston Rockets and a new-look Minnesota Timberwolves team, they will face the tough task of trying to be the best of the rest in the Western Conference - chasing Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Detroit Pistons

Detroit Basketball was in an uncertain spot throughout the offseason as All-Star center Jalen Duren, disillusioned with the franchise's initial extension offer, threatened to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer. Taking that offer would have allowed Duren to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent the following summer. However, crisis was ultimately averted when Duren accepted a five-year, $200 million extension to stay. By locking him down, the Eastern Conference's top seed from last season keeps their core intact, ensuring Cade Cunningham retains his lethal pick-and-roll partner. Now, the big question remains: can they surpass last year's second-round exit, or will their lack of three-point shooting come back to bite them?

Golden State Warriors

It's been a tough summer for the Warriors. Steph and the team had hoped that LeBron would choose to remain in California, and join them to form the scintillating duo that mesmerized the 2024 Paris Olympics. To add to the misery of missing out on LeBron, Kristaps Porzingis recently revealed that he was contemplating retiring from the game due to his medical condition. In a sea of negatives, the Bay can take comfort in knowing that Steph has committed to staying in Golden State until he retires. It is now up to GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. to see if he can maximize the remaining years of Steph's playing career.

Houston Rockets

Coming off a disappointing first round defeat to a Lakers team that was without Luka Dončić, the Rockets decided against making an all-in trade for another superstar to pair alongside 38-year-old Kevin Durant. Instead, they are hoping that the return of Fred Van Vleet from injury, as well as the addition of Marcus Smart, will be able to solve their playmaking issues. This would reduce the pressure on Durant to handle the ball as much as he did last season. They'll also be counting on their young core of Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and (bearded) Reed Sheppard to make the leap this season. Will head coach Ime Udoka be able to fix their offense, and bring them closer to championship contention?

Indiana Pacers

After taking a gap year last season due to Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, head coach Rick Carlisle and the Pacers look to get back to where they feel they belong: the NBA Finals. The team feels robbed of the opportunity to finish the fight on equal footing during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Carlisle emphasized that they cannot simply dismiss the heartbreak of the Finals failure, noting that the memories of that night are actively fueling their current 2026–27 campaign. If Haliburton stays healthy and Ivica Zubac integrates smoothly, Indiana could easily become a dark horse to win the championship.

LA Clippers

The Kawhi era is over, one that was filled with championship aspirations, but resulted in scandal and disappointment. What began as potential Western Conference juggernauts going head-to-head against LeBron and Anthony Davis' Lakers, has resulted in the loss of several future first-round picks, and a one-year ban for owner Steve Ballmer and GM Lawrence Frank. Things could have gotten worse had the punishment been handed prior to the 2026 NBA Draft, in which they selected PG Keaton Wagler with the #5 overall pick from the Ivica Zubac trade. The question now is — Can the Clippers remain competitive in the West without much tradeable first-round picks?

Los Angeles Lakers

The LA Lakers are officially Luka's team now. After letting LeBron James walk away in Free Agency, GM Rob Pelinka has decided to build the team around Luka Dončić. Their most notable acquisition was getting Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, after Luka demanded that the team get him an A-list center. The Lakers gave up two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030) for Kessler. This leaves them without any tradeable future first-round picks. Alongside other notable free agency signings in Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton, the Lakers will be hoping that this group can maximize Luka's potential and bring them to the promise-land.

Memphis Grizzlies

There's a clear sense of direction again in Memphis. They have traded away 2-time All-Star Ja Morant, and drafted Cam Boozer with their #3 overall pick. Boozer's addition contributes to the young core of Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey — and the Grizzlies hope that Boozer can be at the center of that rebuild. The addition of Jerami Grant via the Ja Morant trade from Portland, as well as Isaiah Stewart from Detroit, gives them much needed veteran experience. Can head coach Tuomas Iisalo draw from his successful european coaching career and replicate the high-powered offense his european teams were known for?

Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra and GM Micky Arison made an all-in trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo over the summer. Miami has been stuck at the Play-Ins over the past few seasons, and clearly felt that they hit a ceiling with the Tyler Herro - Bam Adebayo duo. For Giannis, it's a new opportunity to be on a title contending team again. Miami were reportedly one of the teams that LeBron considered joining post the Giannis trade — but once that possibility extinguished, they quickly moved to surround Giannis with 3-point shooting in Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson off of Free Agency. Is this team deep enough to make a title run?

Milwaukee Bucks

After several years of speculation surrounding the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks finally decided to trade their crown jewel for a total rebuild. They decided to take up Miami's offer, opting against the possibility of acquiring another star on maximum salary in Jaylen Brown — a decision which ultimately triggered a domino effect, resulting in the Sixers getting both Brown and LeBron James. In return from the trade, the Bucks receive Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr, Kel'el Ware, Kasper Jakučionis, 3 first-round picks, 1 future first-round pick swap, and 1 second-round pick. Further trades involving these players can't be ruled out if the franchise decides to add to its inventory of draft capital.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Years after Wolves GM Tim Connelly went all-in on the trade for Rudy Gobert, he's done it again — this time for All-Star LaMelo Ball. After reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025, the Wolves fell short in the second round to the San Antonio Spurs, losing 4-2. The trade for LaMelo aims to take ball-handling pressure off franchise star Anthony Edwards. It also makes them one of the deadliest, and fun-to-watch backcourts in the NBA. In addition, they have managed to fill the void left by the Julius Randle trade, which was necessary to clear cap space for LaMelo Ball. Head coach Chris Finch was able to convince former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga to join them on a two-year, $12.4 million contract. Both Connelly and Finch will be hoping that their offseason additions can elevate them into a championship contender.

New Orleans Pelicans

There's a new head coach in New Orleans. Jamahl Mosley had been the coach of the Orlando Magic for five seasons before he was let go, following their playoff exit to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the first round. Known as a culture setter and a great defensive coach, he changed the trajectory of the Orlando Magic, turning them into a playoff-caliber team. GM Joe Dumars and the Pelicans organization will be hoping for the same outcome in terms of a culture reset. There is no doubt talent on the squad, including the likes of Jeremiah Fears, Trey Murphy III, and Derik Queen — not to mention Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson. The key to their success might lie in knowing their identity, as well as their best starting five.

New York Knicks

The Champs! After a 53 year wait, the Knicks are finally champions again. The heroics of OG Anunoby will live long in the memories of Knicks fans. Jalen Brunson, the King of New York, also appeared on Saturday Night Live - hosting its opening show for the new season. He will be looking to defend their crown in a strengthened Eastern Conference. However, owner James Dolan announced during their trophy parade that he was not willing to write a check that brought them over the second apron. The result has been the loss of Mitch Robinson, who ended up signing for the Boston Celtics. Nonetheless, the Knickerbockers will be hoping to buck the trend of eight different champions in eight straight seasons since 2019.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Coming off playoff disappointment in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, GM Sam Presti had many questions to ponder about. The team's payroll was projected to exceed the second apron. They also had to address whether they could rely on Chet Holmgren in the Center position, after he became a non-factor in the Western Conference Finals. In response, they selected highly touted Center Aday Mara with their 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft as cover for Isaiah Hartenstein. They then made the decision to trade role players Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks in order to keep the team under the second apron, potentially leaving them short on cover for their wing positions. Can Chet Holmgren regain his confidence and be their second superstar?

Orlando Magic

A new era has begun in Orlando with the hiring of former Mavericks and Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney, as the team's new head coach. Heavily credited with orchestrating San Antonio's top-ranked defense last season, Sweeney enters the year as a potential dark horse Coach of the Year candidate. While the Magic achieved three consecutive playoff appearances, each run has ended in a disappointing first-round exit. It will be fascinating to see if the front office decides to break up the core of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero if they fail to clear the first-round hurdle.

Philadelphia 76ers

LeBron James is a Philadelphia 76er. Who would've guessed that back in June? The dominoes fell perfectly for the Sixers, when the Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly not interested in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo for Jaylen Brown. In an inexplicable turn of events, the Boston Celtics decided to trade Brown to their biggest rivals. This caught the eye of King James, and that was that. The Sixers now have arguably the strongest starting five on paper if they can keep healthy. Injuries to 41-year-old LeBron James and Joel Embiid would derail their chances of becoming favorites to win the East. Nonetheless, one would think that Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown would be fully capable of holding the fort while they carefully manage LeBron and Joel's minutes. Can they win it in LeBron's first season as a Sixer?

Phoenix Suns

First-year head coach Jordan Ott did a fantastic job last season, exceeding expectations after trading away Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal the previous summer. They ended up finishing 7th in the West and navigated the play-in tournament to secure a postseason spot. The Suns pulled the trigger on a trade for Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets in the offseason to bring some scoring punch alongside Devin Booker. In return, the Hornets received veteran players Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. The Suns also re-signed several key players from last season, namely Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, and Jordan Goodwin. Are they good enough to make the playoffs again?

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers have an intriguing team on the court heading into the 26-27 season. Fresh off the Blazers' first-round exit in the playoffs, 2-time All-Star Ja Morant is now on the team, after a major "buy-low" trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Franchise legend Damian Lillard is also back from his Achilles injury. Off the court, new owner Tom Dundon elected to hire long-time former Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, to be their head coach. Can the Blazers calm the waters and go one step further from what they achieved last season, amid all the noise surrounding their future in the city of Portland?

Sacramento Kings

Light the Beam! This is a chant we'll probably only hear once in a blue moon in the near future, as the outlook for the 26-27 season looks bleak. The shining light of their season will be #7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., who's probably going to eat up most of their offensive load. We should expect to see plenty of pick-and-roll action with Domantas Sabonis.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were arguably the more dominant team in the NBA Finals, which sounds weird since the Knicks won the series 4-1. However, the Spurs remarkably led for 72% of the total series time. Inexperience and youth were the main factors that led to the outcome. Wemby and the Spurs now face the huge challenge of getting back to where they were last season, and making amends in the NBA Finals. The road to the Finals, however, is not a straightforward one. The Spurs will have to manage Wemby's workload again this season to keep him healthy. They will also have to manage their backcourt rotations, as the ascent of Dylan Harper means that he won't be content starting off the bench. More crucially, they'll potentially face a reinvigorated Oklahoma City Thunder team that feels that they should have been the ones in the Finals last season.

Toronto Raptors

Kawhi is a Raptor (again). The Klaw returns to The Six, where he won his last championship back in 2019. Much has changed in Toronto since. The Raptors, now consisting of 2-time All-Star Scottie Barnes, will be hoping for the duo to bring them closer to championship contention. The main question will be the health of 35-year-old Kawhi, who managed to keep relatively healthy during their 2019 championship run with the help of Alex McKechnie, who served as the team's director of sport science and chief physiotherapist. The Raptors will be hoping that McKechnie, now serving as the team's Senior Vice President of Player Health and Performance, can help keep Kawhi healthy through the season.

Utah Jazz

Four years on since Danny Ainge took over as CEO of basketball operations, the Jazz seems to finally have a team worthy of playoff discussion. The addition of #2 overall pick Darryn Peterson in the 2026 NBA Draft has changed the narrative on this team, who have load managed their way through the last few seasons. The Peterson addition means that the Utah Jazz will likely have a starting lineup of Keyonte George (PG), Ace Bailey (SF), Lauri Markkanen (PF), and Jaren Jackson Jr (C). However, caution is needed, as reliance on young guards tend to translate to a high volume of team losses, largely due to their decision-making and turnovers. Will promising young head coach, Will Hardy, be able to finally show flashes of his coaching ability with this iteration of the Jazz?

Washington Wizards

Washington is a basketball city, and it has been deprived of a competitive team since the departure of John Wall and Bradley Beal. Fresh off the trades for Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and drafting of #1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, the Wizards will be hoping to be competitive in the East this season. The front court duo of Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis should provide a good defensive base in theory. AJ Dybantsa and Bilal Coulibaly on the wings should also provide enough switchability to cover for Trae Young's defensive liabilities. Can head coach Brian Keefe make this team gel and get them into the play-in spots?

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